Polarized Diffuse Reflectance Nerve Imaging for Real-Time Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intraoperative nerve visualization methods, such as ultrasonography, fluorescence imaging, and optical coherence tomography, face limitations in spatial resolution, depth of imaging, reliance on exogenous contrast agents, and intermittent monitoring, leading to high nerve damage incidence and medicolegal issues.
Innovation Solution
Polarized diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) is used for intraoperative nerve identification and visualization, employing a light source, imaging head, and controller to acquire and process polarized DRS images, distinguishing tissue types based on spectral markers and polarization data, providing real-time, label-free nerve visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ultrasonography is used for nerve visualization, then real-time imaging is achieved, but spatial resolution is insufficient to visualize smaller nerve branches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasonography (acoustic waves) with polarized diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (optical waves) to visualize nerves. Optical methods provide superior spatial resolution for small nerve branches while maintaining real-time capability through non-contact imaging, resolving the contradiction between real-time imaging and spatial resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the imaging modality from acoustic to optical parameters, utilizing the different physical properties of light interaction with tissue. This parameter change enables simultaneous achievement of real-time imaging and high spatial resolution by leveraging optical scattering and absorption characteristics of neural tissues.
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging is used for nerve visualization, then nerve identification is enhanced, but depth of imaging is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluorescence imaging (which requires exogenous agents and has limited depth) with polarized diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. This optical spectroscopy method uses intrinsic tissue optical properties to achieve both deep tissue penetration and high nerve identification capability without requiring fluorescent tracers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service by utilizing the intrinsic optical scattering and absorption properties of neural tissues themselves, rather than requiring external fluorescent agents. This intrinsic optical characterization enables deep tissue imaging while maintaining high nerve identification accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If optical coherence tomography is used for nerve visualization, then high-resolution imaging is achieved, but reliability and depth of imaging are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from optical coherence tomography (coherence-based interferometry) to polarized diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (spectral analysis of scattered light). This parameter change improves reliability by using multiple spectral wavelengths to characterize tissue optical properties, providing more robust and reliable nerve visualization while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the spectral dimension to optical imaging by measuring reflectance across multiple wavelengths. This dimensional addition provides complementary information that enhances both the resolution and reliability of nerve visualization, overcoming the limitations of conventional optical coherence tomography.
4Productivity
If conventional methods are used for nerve visualization, then surgical procedures can be performed, but iatrogenic nerve damage occurs at high incidence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously visualizing nerves during surgical procedures using polarized diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. This live optical feedback enables surgeons to identify and avoid neural structures dynamically, significantly reducing iatrogenic nerve damage while maintaining surgical productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary action by visualizing nerves before surgical manipulation occurs. The real-time optical imaging allows preoperative identification of neural structures in the surgical field, enabling preventive measures to avoid nerve damage before it can occur during the procedure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
DRS enables high-fidelity, real-time, and non-contact nerve identification and visualization, reducing nerve damage by allowing surgeons to avoid vital nerves during surgeries, without the need for exogenous contrast agents.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for emitting a beam of light to illuminate a target of interest
Implementation Method 2
an imaging head positioned over the target of interest for acquiring polarized DRS images of light from the illuminated target of interest
Implementation Method 3
acquiring polarized DRS images of light from the illuminated target of interest responsive to the illumination
Implementation Method 4
detecting changes in optical absorption and scattering within tissues
Implementation Method 5
detecting changes in optical absorption and scattering within tissues
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for intraoperative nerve identification and/or visualization of a target of interest of a living subject comprises a light source; an imaging head configured to acquire a polarized diffuse reflectance spectral image from the illuminated target of interest; and a controller configured to control the imaging head and to process the acquired polarized diffuse reflectance spectral image.